Root over Rock. First steps

[Luke]

Hey all, these are the first stages of a 'root over rock' planting iv been putting together. Still very much 'under construction'!
What you think?
luke

[sreeve]

Hi Luke
I am far from being an expert, but I use a slightly different method to you.

I cant tell for sure, but it looks like you have soil between the bag and the rock?

I would have attached the tree roots directly to the rock, then wrapped the entire root / rock in plastic (assuming you want to use plastic). I would not have used soil between the roots / rock and the plastic.
I then bury the rock totally in a large pot. The host pot should be a lot larger and allow for rampant root growth for up to two years.

Fertilise really well and don’t try and style the growth. You want the roots to grow rampant.

I would leave it for at least one growing season, preferably 1 ½ to 2 growing seasons although you may get away with less given your climate.

From my experience leaving them to grow undisturbed longer is better and will produce a result you are happier with.
The first tree I grew root over rock (Grewia) I removed too early after one growing season and rue that mistake to this day.

Good Luck
Steve